GEORGE TOWN: Datuk Habib Mohamed, founder of the hugely successful Habib Jewels chain of jewellery stores, died at the Gleneagles Medical Centre this morning.
He was 92.
Habib had slipped into a coma after falling in his home in Jalan Pinhorn, two weeks ago. He died at 4.26am at the hospital.
He was laid to rest at the Jalan Perak Muslim cemetery after Zohor prayers today.
More than 100 people, comprising family and friends, some of whom came from Kuala Lumpur, turned up to pay their last respects.
Habib leaves behind five children, Siraj, Zabariah, Siti Jawaahari, Meer Sadik and Siti Shariffah, nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild. His wife, Ummul Latifah, died of old age in 2007.
His only son, Meer Sadik, said his father was deeply meticulous person who was never short on ideas on how to expand his business.
Meer Sadik said he will miss his father’s sense of humour.
“He was very fond of joking around with his family and also his workers, which made someone who was loved by all,” he said.
Habib’s friends, meanwhile, remembered him as a man of discipline, who was always enthusiastic about exploring new ideas and remained humble, despite his wealth.
Abdul Waheed S Abdul Wahab, 69, who had been friends with Habib since his teens, said Habib used to work as a helper at his father’s jewellery shop, Haji S Abdul Wahab Jewellers Sdn Bhd, for several years before opening the first Habib Jewels shop at Lebuh Pitt, not far from his father’s shop.
He said Habib had also worked as pillow trader and coffee seller around Jalan Datuk Keramat in George Town to support his family then.
Waheed said although Habib was well known and wealthy, he was generous and well-loved by the traders at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
“Previously, when I was active with a non-governmental organisation (NGO), each time I asked for his sponsorship, he never let us down.
“He was never stingy, both in wealth and knowledge. Today, more than 10 of his former workers now operate their own jewellery businesses,” he said.
The first Habib Jewels outlet was opened in 1958 at Lebuh Pitt in Jalan Kapitan Keling.
Habib chose Jalan Kapitan Keling as the area was filled with jewellery shops until it was known as the 'Jewel's Corner' by the locals.
Habib Jewels now has over 30 branches around the world, including in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, the United States, West Asia and also Europe.
His company was once crowned the best brand in jewellery business category at 'Campaign Asia Pacific' and 'TNS Asia Top 1,000 Brands' for three years running since 2012.
Habib Jewels is not only known for the jewels, but also for gemstones, diamonds, handmade jewellery and accessories, besides venturing into the hotel industry and syariah-compliant pawn shops called Ar-Rahnu Express .